A team of recognised seasonal employer (RSE) workers, which received management and project implementation training during the 2015 kiwifruit season, are leading the management of this mill, she said.
While Mrs DellaBarca Steel was on Tanna a ship transporting over 500 desks and chairs arrived and disembarked its load in true island fashion - right off the coral reef.
Along with the RSE teams, Mrs DellaBarca Steel celebrated the distribution of these school resources which were donated by seven schools in Te Puke.
"The principals of all the schools were thrilled by the quantity and quality of the school resources and were thankful to receive these at a time when schools are closing early due to water shortages. The supplies came as a high point at the end of a very difficult year," she said.
Mrs DellaBarca Steel said because of the El Nino climate conditions, Tanna communities are still facing difficulties associated with water shortages, and are often having to take water from low level bores or streams, risking contamination and illness.
"Fruit of the Pacific was able to purchase and distribute 40 water filters and 100L of water purification solution. The water filter demos were met with intrigue and then excitement as dirty water was turned clean and drinkable. These water supplies will benefit over 1,500 people all over the island of Tanna."
One of the other risks of El Nino climate conditions is the increased likelihood of cyclones, she said.
"All the Pacific islands are on increased alert this cyclone season and many of the RSE's are feeling nervous about what could happen to their livelihoods if another cyclone hits, while their resources are already depleted.
"One of the Te Puke Tanna projects that was carried out during the kiwifruit season was the demonstration of an earthship strong house. This circular house, built from tyres and local resources offered an alternative, low cost, wind resistant structure for communities to shelter in.
"Joe Iautu, one of the Tanna RSE's who has been working in Te Puke for 7 years, broke ground in his village for the first earthship strong house on Tanna. He will be building this house as a shelter for his family and also as a demo for other communities to see the value of this structure."
Through all these projects, the key factor to celebrate is relationship, she said.
"It is through relationship between our two communities that all these projects have been made possible - people contributing their skills, knowledge, funds or time because they believe in and value community and working together.
"These are not just "aid" projects delivered to an unknown recipient population, but a partnership, where we in Te Puke and the wider Western Bay of Plenty have been privileged to work with key contributors to our horticultural industry and support their communities in a time of need.
"This partnership and the implementation of these projects is largely due to the generosity and goodness of the people, organizations and businesses of Te Puke."
